Newcastle vs Liverpool Predictions

• Liverpool found the net in every away league game they played last season
• The Reds have scored at least twice on five of their last seven visits to St James’ Park
• Newcastle have scored more than once in just two of their last seven outings

Champions provide a daunting test

The distraction of Alexander Isak’s future is likely to dominate the build-up to Newcastle’s Monday night date with champions Liverpool and there is little doubt that the Magpies could do with the situation being resolved as quickly as possible.

The effect that the Swedish striker downing tools has had on the Magpies’ dressing room is difficult to gauge as he aims for a move to Anfield before the end of the month, but it is a situation Eddie Howe needs sorted so he can recruit a replacement.

With the Reds coming to town, that need is urgent as he fielded a team without a recognised centre forward at Aston Villa on Saturday and the Magpies consequently lacked a cutting edge.

Anthony Gordon is not a long-term solution in the role and it does not bode well with Arne Slot’s side having already scored four in their opener against Bournemouth.

Magpies may not have necessary firepower

This fixture was a cracking 3-3 draw last season and while the Magpies’ final two St James’ Park outings featured fewer than three goals, over 2.5 was a winning bet in their previous 12.

But it is questionable whether the home side will have enough of a goal threat in Isak’s absence to repel the champions.

It just seems difficult to see Newcastle matching the champions in terms of productivity and they look vulnerable to suffering a defeat, with a 2-0 away success of potential interest for those looking for a correct-score bet.

Ekitike shining early on for Reds

The Reds were severely tested by Bournemouth in their first game and needed late goals from Federico Chiesa and Mo Salah to get over the line.

However, they looked dynamic going forward with new forward Hugo Ekitike demonstrating his determination to make Isak fight for his place if he does make the move to Merseyside.

The French forward scored for the second consecutive game having also found the net in the Community Shield clash with Crystal Palace, and the quality of his link-up play and workrate were both excellent.

Liverpool’s flirtation with Isak is not affecting Ekitike’s form in the slightest and he is capable of  finding the net again.